The British Heart Foundation shop in St Dominics Square has been shortlisted from hundreds to attend the Learndirect Achievement Awards regional final at Norwich on Tuesday, June 17. Winners there go on to the national final in London in October.

The Lynn-based Isis Training and Recruitment Learndirect centre first approached the BHF shop manager Ginny Symonds about opportunities it could offer for staff training.

"Most of our volunteers have few formal qualifications so I thought it was a great chance for them to get something down on paper," said Mrs Symonds.

"I left school myself when I was 15 so although I have about 35 years of work experience I have no certificates proving my skills."

She has now completed level 2 literacy and numeracy courses and gained her customer care NVQ through Learndirect. She manages six paid staff and 41 volunteers at the shop and a number of them have also jumped at the chance of boosting their skills and qualifications.